26/10/2026 04:29 AST
Sheikh Mohammed Jarrah Al-Sabah, Chairman of Kuwait International Bank (KIB), announced that KIB Group achieved net profit attributable to the Bank's shareholders of KD 26.6 million for the nine months ended on September 30, 2026, compared to KD 20.4 million in the same period in 2025, representing a growth of 30 percent. Earnings per share reached 13.51 fils, compared to 9.98 fils in the same period in 2025. Meanwhile, net profit attributable to shareholders for the third quarter alone reached approximately KD 9 million, representing a growth of 62 percent.
Commenting on the results, Al-Jarrah said: "KIB's financial results for the first nine months of 2026 reflect the Bank's continued success in sustaining growth and delivering balanced performance amid a regional environment marked by rapid developments and their broader impact on markets. Supported by our comprehensive strategy, we have effectively navigated these developments while maintaining our focus on business quality, diversifying income streams, enhancing operational efficiency, and managing risks prudently."
He added: "During the period, KIB continued to advance its strategic priorities, building on the strength of its core business and its longstanding expertise in Islamic banking and capital markets. The progress achieved across the Bank's operations during the year also demonstrated its ability to expand its range of innovative products and services, further diversify its revenue and funding sources, strengthen relationships with clients and investors, and broaden its presence in local and regional capital markets."
Regarding the Group's financial position, Al-Jarrah stated that KIB's total assets grew by 8 percent to reach KD 4.74 billion as of September 30, 2026, compared to KD 4.37 billion as of September 25, 2025. This growth was driven by an increase in the financing portfolio, which rose by 8 percent or KD 269 million to reach KD 3.48 billion, compared to KD 3.21 billion for the same period of 2025. Meanwhile, its investment portfolio, which includes high-quality Sukuk, grew by 12 percent or KD 62 million, reaching approximately KD 582.7 million as of September 30, 2026, compared to KD 520.4 million as of September 30, 2025.
A more diversified and resilient business model
For his part, Raed Jawad Bukhamseen, Vice Chairman and CEO of KIB, stated: "KIB's results for the first nine months of the year reflect our continued efforts to develop a more diversified and resilient business model, while maintaining a strong focus on enhancing operational efficiency and improving service quality. We also continued to invest in our human capital and technological capabilities, and to develop solutions that respond to evolving market dynamics and the changing needs of our customers." He added: "While we continue to strengthen our local business, the period also saw a notable expansion in KIB's activity across regional capital markets. This reflects our ability to leverage our banking and investment expertise in new markets and reinforces our position as a trusted partner in Islamic finance."
Growth across key financial indicators
Bukhamseen provided an overview of the key financial results for the first nine months of 2026 compared to the same period of last year. Net fee and commission income rose to KD 10.3 million from KD 7.7 million, representing a growth of 33 percent. Net investment income also increased to KD 4.5 million from KD 4.3 million, representing growth of 4 percent. These increases contributed to a 7 percent rise in total operating income compared to the first nine months of 2025, reaching KD 69 million.
Regarding the Group's financial position, Bukhamseen said that KIB's customers' deposits grew by 2 percent to reach KD 3.08 billion as of September 30, 2026 compared to KD 3.03 billion as of September 30, 2025. In addition, the total shareholders equity grew 1 percent to reach KD 374 million as of September 30, 2026 compared to KD 371 million as of September 30, 2025. He noted that KIB continues to maintain high levels of total capital adequacy ratio, in accordance with Basel III requirements, reaching 20.32 percent as of 30 September 2026. The liquidity coverage ratio stood at 238.1 percent as at September 30, 2026, supporting the Bank's ability to continue implementing its growth plans.
$500 million Sukuk issuance
In this context, Bukhamseen highlighted KIB's successful pricing in September 2026 of its inaugural $500 million five-year senior unsecured Sukuk issuance, under the Bank's $1.5 billion Sukuk program.
Bukhamseen noted that the sukuk attracted strong investor demand, with the orderbook reaching approximately $1.2 billion, equivalent to 2.4 times the issuance size. The final spread was set at 95 basis points over the yield on US Treasury securities, with a profit rate of 5.502 percent per annum. He added that the issuance represents an important addition to KIB's long-term funding base, providing greater flexibility in managing liquidity and liabilities. The strong demand also underscores investor confidence in the Bank's ability to access international capital markets and leverage Sharia-compliant instruments to support its future growth plans.
Growing presence in regional capital markets, achievements and prestigious awards
At the regional level, KIB, through its Islamic investment arm, KIB Invest, acted as a Joint Lead Manager in the pricing of the third international Sukuk issuance guaranteed by the Government of Saudi Arabia for the Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company, with a total value of $2.75 billion. This supports the Bank's direction towards expanding its network of relationships with financial institutions and international investors, while further developing its activities across debt capital markets and Islamic finance.
KIB continued to earn prestigious regional and international awards, reflecting the strength of its business model and its leadership in the banking sector. The Bank was named "Best Bank for Real Estate Banking Services and Innovation in PropTech in Kuwait for 2026" by the World Union of Arab Bankers, in recognition of its leadership in delivering integrated real estate banking services and developing innovative digital solutions that enhance the experience of customers and investors. KIB received the award during the Arab Banks Awards and Commendations of Excellence 2026 ceremony.
The Bank also received two prestigious awards from Islamic Finance News (IFN) for its USD 300 million Tier 2 Sukuk issuance: "IFN Kuwait Deal of the Year 2025" and "IFN Regulatory Deal of the Year 2025". The recognition underscores the significance of the issuance and KIB's strong standing in the Islamic capital markets. The awards were presented at the IFN Awards ceremony held in Dubai.
A continued strategy for growth and sustainability
Al-Jarrah and Bukhamseen affirmed that KIB's results for the first nine months of 2026 demonstrate the Bank's ability to continue executing its strategic plans amid an evolving regional environment, while maintaining a clear balance between growth, profitability, and risk management.
They added that the Bank's priorities for the next phase include developing its core businesses, diversifying income sources, improving operational efficiency, continuing investment in technology and enhancing the customer experience, while maintaining a balanced approach to capital, liquidity and risk management.
In their concluding remarks, Al-Jarrah and Bukhamseen expressed their appreciation for the regulatory and supervisory role of the Central Bank of Kuwait and the pivotal role of the Capital Markets Authority in strengthening Kuwait's investment environment. They also commended the efforts of the Board of Directors, Executive Management, and all KIB employees, noting that the achievements during the period reflect the collective efforts across the Bank and its continued focus on building a stronger, more sustainable foundation for growth.
Kuwait Times
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